The Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV 350 and the BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle compete head to head in the luxury mid-size SUV market, but in a side by side comparison the Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV 350 becomes the clear winner.

At first glance the big difference between the GLE 350 and X5 is price. The BMW costs more. But look at the other features that the GLE also boasts over its competitor: more cargo space, more towing capacity, more fuel capacity and you can also buy the GLE as a crossover.

Performance and Handling

The 302-hp 3.5L V6 combines numerous advances to deliver more torque from less fuel, with cleaner emissions. Rapid-multispark ignition can fire up to four times per millisecond, while high-pressure Direct Injection can fine-tune its fuel spray in 0.1 millisecond, reducing emissions, fuel consumption and noise.

A twist of a console control lets you dial in the vehicle's performance character to suit your needs or your mood. DYNAMIC SELECT offers four preset modes (Comfort, Sport, Slippery and Off-road). Each mode adapts the throttle response, shift programming, ESP and more.

Advanced SUV Styling

The GLE advances the state of SUV style. Shapely headlamps integrate LED Daytime Running Lamps and frame its wide grille. The deep front bumper features large air intakes. A sporty twin-power-dome hood and sculpted front fenders flow into an iconic profile, culminating in wraparound rear styling with concealed roof pillars and LED taillamps. Glistening chrome highlights its skid plates, double grille bars, door windows and rear-bumper load sill.

Safety

Radar-based technology can alert you if you're approaching a vehicle ahead, or even some stationary objects, at a speed and distance that suggest a collision is likely. As soon as the driver starts to brake, Active Brake Assist can automatically provide an appropriate level of braking to help prevent a collision or reduce its severity. The first system of its kind, ATTENTION ASSIST® continuously monitors up to 70 parameters of driving behavior and can automatically alert the driver with both visual and audible warnings.

Intuitive, seat-shaped controls help you find your ideal driving position with easy 10-way power adjustment. A memory system for the seat recalls three stored seat positions with the touch of a button and includes the power steering column and side mirror positions. The lumbar support also power-adjusts four ways. Power liftgate, dual-zone automatic climate control, power tilt/sidling sunroof and 60/40 split rear seats are just a few of the GLE's superior convenience features. The GLE also offers more cargo space than the BMW.

Audio and Entertainment

The central controller falls naturally to hand. And the carousel-style on-screen menus mimic the movement of the rotary knob, making adjustment of the car's abundant features logical and easy. With an 8-inch high-resolution color screen, hands-free Bluetooth interface and audio streaming, COMMAND navigation, Apple CarPlay and rear seat entertainment system the GLE is the perfect family vehicle.